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Hard Vs Soft-3

The document provides an introduction to computer hardware and software, defining a computer as an electronic device that processes data through an information processing cycle consisting of input, processing, output, and storage. It explains the components of a computer, including hardware (physical elements) and software (instructions for operation), detailing various types of hardware such as input devices, processors, and output devices. Additionally, it distinguishes between system software, which controls computer operations, and application software, which allows users to perform specific tasks.

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Salisu Maiwada
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15 views21 pages

Hard Vs Soft-3

The document provides an introduction to computer hardware and software, defining a computer as an electronic device that processes data through an information processing cycle consisting of input, processing, output, and storage. It explains the components of a computer, including hardware (physical elements) and software (instructions for operation), detailing various types of hardware such as input devices, processors, and output devices. Additionally, it distinguishes between system software, which controls computer operations, and application software, which allows users to perform specific tasks.

Uploaded by

Salisu Maiwada
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Introduction to Computer Hardware and

Software

ICT TRAINING
Definition of a Computer
“A computer is an electronic device, operating
under the control of instructions stored in its
own memory unit, that can accept data as
input, process it and produce information as
an output, and store the results for future
use.”
Functions of a Computer
• Computer perform four operations on data
• The four operations are referred to as the
information processing cycle and it include the
following:
– Input
– Process,
– Output and
– Storage.
• Computers transform raw data into information
• People who use this information are referred to as
end users, computer users or users
Introduction to Computer Hardware
• Computer consist of two parts
– Hardware and
– Software

• Hardware and software are interconnected, without software, the


hardware of a computer would have no function. However, without
the creation of hardware to perform tasks directed by software via
the central processing unit, software would be useless.
Hardware
• Hardware is everything you can touch and see in
other words Hardware refers to the physical
elements of a computer.
• Examples: Monitor, hard drive, CD-ROM,
computer cables, keyboard, mouse, modem, printer,
etc.
Components of a Computer
• There are four components to a computer
– Input Devices
– Processor Unit
– Output Devices
– Auxiliary Storage Devices
Input Devices
• Input Devices enable the user to enter data
into memory
• Examples of input devices:
– Keyboard
– Mouse
– Scanner
– Touch Screen Input
The Processor Unit
• The Processor Unit is comprised of two
components:
– Central Processing Unit (CPU)
– Memory
Computer Memory
• RAM - Random Access Memory
– Computer’s primary storage of data to be
processed
– Contents of RAM will be lost when power is
turned off
Computer Memory
• Usually measured in MB(Mega Byte) or
KB (Kilo Byte)
• More RAM = faster processing rate
• Applications determine how much RAM
needed
Computer Memory
• ROM - Read Only Memory
– Instructions and data are hard coded on the
silicon chips
– Examples: BIOS (Basic Input-Output
System)
• gives computer the initial instructions to get it
started once computer is turned on.
Cache
• Temporary holding area where the system
stores frequently accessed information
• Allows the processor to operate faster
• Size measured in KB (e.g. 256K or 512 K)
• Cache associated with the terms L1 or L2
• L1 is internal to the microprocessor
• L2 is separate from the microprocessor
Output Devices
• Output Devices make the information
resulting from processing available for use
• Examples of Output Devices:
– Printers
– Computer Screens
– Speakers
Computer Screens
• Also called monitor or Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)
• Flat panel screens - LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
• Screen is made up of pixels(the smallest unit of a
digital image or graphic that can be displayed and
represented on a digital display device.)
Auxiliary Devices
• Also know as Secondary Storage Devices
• Examples of Auxiliary Devices:
– Floppy Disks
– CD-ROM
– Tape Backup Drives
Hard Disks
• Secondary Storage Device
• Able to store large amounts of data
• Storage measured in MB’s or GB’s
Tape Backup Drives
• Used primarily for backup important
information on HD as a precaution against
system failure or crashes
• Can be used to archive information
• Can store large amounts of information, but
access time is slower than floppy or hard
disks
Modem
• Device that allows transfer of data over
phone lines (internet access, faxing, etc..)
• BAUD - Speed of modem measured in bits
per second or bps
• Examples: 14.4 bps (or 14,400 bits per
second), 28.8 bps, 33.6 bps, etc..
• Internal or External
Software
• Software, commonly known as programs or apps,
consists of all the instructions that tell the hardware
how to perform a task. It is commonly defined as
part of computer that can be seen but cannot be
touch. It is needed for computer to function
• Software is divided into two:
– System and
– Application Software
Systems Software
• Consists of programs that controls the
operation of computer e.g
• operating systems e.g Windows vs. Mac vs. Linux
• device drivers
• diagnostic tools and more.
• System software is almost always pre-
installed on your computer.
Application Software
• Application Software Allows users to accomplish
one or more tasks. Examples:
– Word Processing Software e.g Ms Word
– Electronic Spreadsheet Software e.g Ms Excel
– Database Software Ms Access
– Presentation Software Ms Power Point
– Entertainment Software e.g Games
– Electronic Mail Software e.g yahoo mail

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